RU2762415C2 - Automatic modular system for managing vertical farms - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: agriculture.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to the field of agriculture, particularly to crop cultivation. The automatic modular system comprises a first module with a quadrangular section and vertical placement, defined by the corresponding vertical supporting elements. The first module comprises two side areas, wherein each area includes multiple substantially horizontal and overlapping supporting sockets or guides for trays, and a central area wherein a vertical tray transportation apparatus with sliding along a vertical axis (Z) operates, located on means of movement actuated by units with a drive, configured to transfer the vertical transportation apparatus from the lowered position to the raised position in accordance with each tray, and vice versa. The vertical transportation apparatus is equipped with a support shelf for the tray and horizontal transportation apparatuses configured to move said tray along a first horizontal axis (Y) from the corresponding socket and in the direction thereto. The socket is located inside one of the side areas. The first module additionally comprises vertical transportation apparatuses located in the central area wherein the vertical tray transportation apparatus operates, interacting with the tray when the latter is located on the shelf of the vertical tray transportation apparatus, and displacing the tray along the second axis (X), horizontal and perpendicular to the first horizontal axis (Y), in order to directly transport the tray towards another shelf of another vertical transportation apparatus of the second module located nearby and connected with said first module.

EFFECT: system ensures development of the possibility of mechanisation and automation of hydroponic production, using vertically located structures ensuring the independence of operation of each vertical module.

13 cl, 11 dwg

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an automatic modular system for manipulating vertical farms, generally of the hydroponic, aeroponic or aquaponic type.

More specifically, the invention relates to an automatic modular system for manipulating so-called "vertical farms" used for soilless growing of plants. The present invention is described below with reference to a hydroponic system, which, however, does not exclude other soilless growing methods that may be mentioned separately when distinguishing between the construction technology that may be used. The system according to the invention consists of a plurality of modular storage units with a vertical and quadrangular arrangement in plan, each of which contains a plurality of levels, in which trays are arranged with the possibility of sliding on guides, and each tray can be separately picked up by a movable control manipulation unit of the system, which allows filling and pick up the plants or hydroponic products contained in each tray.

The automatic modular system for handling vertical trusses according to the invention is designed to solve the problems that arise when using traditional vertical trusses, i. E. problems arising from the difficulty in manipulating the hydroponic system with crops located at different levels with a vertical extent within each module.

The present invention is preferably applied in the field of systems for manipulating vertical farms used for hydroponic or aeroponic and aquaponic growing.

LEVEL OF TECHNOLOGY

A new development of the so-called vertical trusses is known, i.e. vertical cultivation based on hydroponic technology, the prerogative of which is the development of plant growth in special conditions, some of which are listed below:

- the ability not to use the soil;

- operation of the vertical volume;

- the possibility of internal farms;

- reduction of water use up to 80%;

- great productivity;

- elimination of the use of fertilizers and pesticides;

- exclusion of dispersion of substances in the soil with the subsequent involvement of the aquifer;

- reconstruction of abandoned buildings;

- products from local producers;

- continuous cultivation 365 days a year, regardless of the season.

In general, hydroponic cultivation means the implementation of one of the soilless cultivation methods, in which the soil is replaced with an inert substrate such as expanded clay, perlite, vermiculite, coconut fiber, stone wool, zeolite, etc., that is, including aeroponic and aquaponic methods.

The plant is irrigated with a nutrient solution consisting of water and compounds (mostly inorganic in the case of hydroponics or aeroponics, while they are organic or mixed in the case of aquaponics) necessary to provide all the necessary elements for normal mineral nutrition. This method is also known by the term "aquatic culture". Hydroponic cultivation allows for quality control as well as hygiene / sanitation throughout the year.

A hydroponic vertical growing system is based on the fact that crops are located on different floors or levels, with the vertical extent of the crops themselves.

The benefits are clear. Targeted production allows deliveries close to the user in a short time, without pesticides and chemical fertilizers, provides targeted water use and the ability to farm all year round, even in confined or redeveloped spaces, in addition to protecting the aquifer protected by a hydroponic growing system.

For these reasons, this type of farm is constantly gaining in importance.

Some of these hydroponic farms operate using sunlight, however, in this case, the timing of production depends on the weather, while in other cases the systems are used with lighting fixtures, more recently usually using the latest generation LED technology and centralized irrigation systems. distributed throughout the farm.

The lighting systems are designed so that the plantations receive the full spectrum of photons they need to grow, and are modulated using time scales and algorithms drawn from the experience and growing times for each crop type.

The irrigation system makes it possible to create a sorting center for sorting nutrient fluids (water and mineral salts) passing through the entire plantation (hundreds of meters or kilometers of pipes), so that each plant receives its own dose of nutrients. In theory, all crops should receive the same nutrition, but it is not certain that this goal can certainly be achieved for all plants.

The placement of crops is carried out vertically and with height restrictions in the event that harvesting must be done manually, and during harvesting, heights of several meters can be reached using self-propelled forklifts with the ability to adjust the height.

Trays containing products are placed on shelves similar to those used in storage warehouses in logistics centers.

In general, hydroponic growing systems, even vertical systems, can reduce water consumption, especially with closed systems that recover unused nutrient solution and recycle it with corresponding water savings of up to 80-90% compared to conventional soil growing.

In addition, such farms lead to efficient fertilizer use and better plant nutrition management, as well as better control of phytosanitary conditions: since there is no longer a connection with the soil, the incidence of diseases spread by soil and parasites commonly found in soil is reduced, if not eliminated. ...

In addition, hydroponic cultivation, also of the vertical type, eliminates the need for weed control.

Again, soilless systems can be effectively used in dry environments and climates as they reduce waste and wasted water and nutrients, thus reducing the environmental impact also associated with the extremely limited use of plant protection products. and weed control products.

The challenge faced with traditional vertical hydroponic farms is the difficulty of handling crops at different levels, in particular those at higher levels that require ladders to reach, or in some cases self-propelled aids are also used to mechanize the system. such as forklifts or forklifts.

The use of such equipment has also drawn particular attention to the problematic handling of crops placed at higher levels, as mechanized systems also do not allow for direct control and processing of crops.

In addition, for vertically extended trusses made within enclosed environments, commonly used column elements are subject to height restrictions due to the height of the floors within the buildings in which the trusses are formed. The lack of modularity of known systems does not allow flexible solutions, and it is often necessary to demolish the floors inside buildings to place the column elements in certain positions.

Solutions disclosed in documents WO2017 / 024353 and US2015 / 0282437 are also known in the art. These solutions involve the use of columnar elements with various shelves on which containers used for growing plants are located; however, such solutions are not of a modular type, since they do not provide for the possibility of adding additional column elements that are connected to each other by sequentially combining from trays that must reach each shelf of each element to change their placement both within individual elements and between one element and another element.

Thus, the lack of real modularity due to the lack of expandable structures that support interconnection limits the use of such systems, manufactured with certain dimensional characteristics, which cannot be further modified in cases where trusses need to be expanded.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to the development of the possibility of mechanization and automation of hydroponic production, also, in particular, using structures with a vertical arrangement.

In fact, one of the objectives of the invention is to introduce a new system for moving and handling special loading and unloading units of a hydroponic vertical farm with vertical modular elements, which will be able to use the same transfer unit, adapted to service a plurality of modules, with the elimination or significant reduction of the noted above disadvantages.

The invention, in particular, is directed to the creation of a moving and manipulating system for structures used for hydroponic farms, in particular farms with a vertical arrangement, in which design is not required, but only the integration of additional standard components, allowing to expand the modular system itself.

In addition, the moving and manipulating system for structures used for hydroponic farms, in particular farms with a vertical arrangement according to the invention, allows the exchange of module trays in the transverse direction, which, due to the free arrangement of the various modules, makes it possible to "design" shapes or fill the available space with any in the required way.

A very important function of the transfer system for handling modular structures used for hydroponic farms, in particular vertical farms according to the invention, is the independence of operation of each vertical module. In fact, when the shelves are moving within the system, the lifters that are used to pick up and move the shelves themselves, and which can run in parallel with the moving operations, provide a net gain in operational efficiency.

This is achieved with a transport and handling system for structures used for hydroponic farms, in particular vertical farms, according to the invention, the characteristics of which are described in the independent claim.

In the dependent claims of the present solution, preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed.

The main advantages of the system according to the present invention relate to the possibility of using modular structures used for hydroponic farms, which can remain separate or can be modularly connected to other identical modular structures used for hydroponic farms of the same type, using the concept of modularity, allowing for gradual growth. systems in accordance with the requirements.

In contrast to other known systems, the moving handling system for structures used for hydroponic farms according to the invention improves the filling of the volume of the areas in which they are installed.

The system according to the invention optionally allows visual control by means of electronic searches and surveillance systems.

In addition, according to the invention, it is envisaged that the arrangement of modular structures used for hydroponic farms can be arranged so as to fill the horizontal space as best as possible, with the creation of free shapes in relation to the mating positions or with the creation of an almost complete filling of the available space, with the creation of volumes, allowing the continuous addition of modules, thus optimizing the surface area required.

Due to the fact that the modules making up the system according to the invention can replace the trays at any height, a replacement module can also be provided, allowing the transport of the trays within a multi-level building, while guaranteeing the continuity of the system and without the need to remove floors between one building level and the next level. ...

By using the system according to the invention, it can be provided that each module has limited irrigation zones in order to prevent distribution throughout the system, which would require a very long pipeline.

In fact, the hydroponic growing system according to the invention provides for the creation of zones with modules equipped with different types of lamps of a certain type to emit a certain light spectrum, which allows, due to the possibility of moving the trays containing the crops, to subject them to different cycles of exposure.

According to the invention, it is envisaged that certain areas of the module can be excluded from the light emitting system in order to provide a cycle in the dark without switching off the lamps, but by moving the trays into the dark areas.

This allows you to save on lighting elements.

The ability to move crops in the trays also allows them to be positioned at a distance, using steps of a certain height, from radiation sources, which allows you to change the absorption conditions.

In some module configurations, air conditioning systems can be provided and thus control of parameters such as humidity and air composition.

The information system of the system according to the invention, based on neural algorithms of properties, allows you to activate the machine learning and deep learning system, i.e. intelligent control, which can gradually feed the system database, providing information on the best expected cycle, or activate in the case of different types of crops.

Since the position of each individual plant being grown is known, all characteristics are known from sowing to harvest, how much it has absorbed nutrients, light, etc.

Thus, each plant can be monitored with full traceability.

With regard to seeding, the structure used to manipulate hydroponic farms with one or more individual vertical modules according to the invention can be automated whenever different types of crops are required.

This automation, controlled by an information system, makes it possible to track the future product to be introduced to the market directly from the seeding stage, since in the case of using previously introduced containers or seeding, the distribution coordinates and physical position within the system of trays inserted into the modular system are known, since they are unique.

This implies a significant reduction in the hydraulic part of each system, with the possibility of differentiating the type of additives to be introduced into the supplied liquid, and even with the possibility of differentiating their quantity and composition, distinguishing each individual plant, taking into account that the coordinates are known; during cultivation, information can be added relating to how much water the plant with a known identifier received, the amount of additives, the frequency of spraying, etc.

It is also provided for the presence of one or more cameras located in the zone of the module, which memorize the status of plants in the trays. The information management system considers the status of each plant, compares it with previous images, with images of plants with similar characteristics (type, culture, time) and evaluates its health status.

In this way, corrective actions for plant growth can be activated, and it is also possible to historize various combinations of nutritional composition, light irradiation, times or the like, which allows the growth process to vary and ensures continuous optimization.

All this translates into a permanent source of data and images of each individual plant, and such data can be retained until the end of product traceability.

Thus, for traceability or for study and optimization, in addition to the previous identification of the plant, the information can also store light exposure times, distances, colors, thus all variables associated with the light cycles they were exposed to.

It is also possible to completely remove a particular tray containing products for planting, insertion of pre-planted containers and harvesting, and they can also be moved to other target positions using self-propelled means such as forklifts or the like.

The claimed modular system contains a vertical transportation device equipped with a support shelf for the tray and horizontal transportation devices made with the possibility of moving the specified tray along the first horizontal axis from the corresponding nest and in the direction towards it, and the specified nest is located inside one of the said lateral zones, while said first module additionally comprises vertical transport devices located in said central zone in which said device for vertical transport of trays operates, with interaction with the tray when the latter is located on the shelf of said vertical transport of trays, and with displacement of said tray along the second axis (X ), horizontal and perpendicular to the specified first horizontal axis (Y), to carry out direct transportation of the specified tray towards another shelf of another vertical transportation device wto a second module adjacent and connected to the specified first module.

Also, the claimed modular system may contain a plurality of additional modules located adjacent to each other and connected to each other so that at least two of them are aligned along the first or second horizontal axis. Each module may be square in shape, with each of said side regions and said central region having substantially the same plan dimensions.

These vertical conveying devices may include driven rollers or driven belts acting on the tray, said shelf having openings within which said driven rollers act to engage the tray.

The claimed system may contain a device that interacts between the slots or guides of adjacent modules and is configured to move the tray from the side zone of one module to the side zone of the adjacent module along the first horizontal axis. The specified device may contain a pair of belts with a drive, located opposite each other and parallel to each other and located between the corresponding side zones of adjacent modules.

Control can be provided by manipulating the movement of said trays using an electronic control unit configured to control the movement of the vertical transport device associated with each module and horizontal transport devices associated with each module and connecting adjacent modules.

The manipulation and actuation of the movement of these trays can be provided by means of an electronic control unit and / or an information system equipped with a storage means, in which the coordinates of sowing of an individual plant and its physical position, as it is located on a separate tray, are recorded.

The claimed system may contain one or more cameras located in a suitable area of one or more modules configured to record the state of plants in trays by sending data to an information system capable of processing the state of each plant, comparing it with previous images, with images of plants with similar characteristics, and assessing their health status to optimize the growth process of individual plants.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Additional characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following description of an embodiment of the invention, presented by way of non-limiting example with the aid of the accompanying drawings, in which:

- fig. 1 is a side view showing a module which is used for vertical hydroponic cultivation and belongs to the system according to the invention, and which can be connected with additional adjacent modules;

- fig. 2 is a schematic front view of an example of a hydroponic growing system with a plurality of contiguous modules that can be arranged according to any arrangement and can be used as a modular logistics system according to the invention;

- in Fig. 3 is a schematic top view of the system of FIG. 2;

- fig. 4 illustrates a schematic partially exploded perspective view of a hydroponic growing structure module used in a manipulation system according to the invention;

- in Fig. 5 and 6 are, respectively, cross-sectional and schematic perspective views of a system for pulling trays along the X-axis interacting with a lifting device related to a module according to the present invention;

- fig. 7 is a schematic top view of a possible configuration of a system for automatically handling soilless crops according to the present invention;

- in Fig. 8 is a top view showing the configuration of the support members that have been coupled to the bridges to form the module;

- in Fig. 9-11 show a pair of transversely connected modules having a device for lateral transport of trays along the Y-axis and vertically along the Z-axis.

CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

With reference to the accompanying drawings and, to begin with, in particular to FIG. 1, 2, reference number 30 generally denotes a separate module of structures used to manipulate vertical hydroponic farms according to the invention. Said module 30 is substantially in the form of a parallelepiped with a vertical arrangement and a quadrangular section, with lateral sides opposite to each other in pairs and supported by corresponding vertical support elements 31 that rise from the lower reference plane.

With reference to FIG. 2, 3, it is envisaged that according to the invention a separate module 30 of the structure used for the vertical manipulation of hydroponic farms can be placed next to other individual adjacent modules 30 to form a network of modules with which, by means of internal exchange systems, suitable trays can be moved. 32 to accommodate hydroponic crop plants located in each module.

In particular, within each individual module 30 are disposed trays 32 containing crops that can be picked up for handling from any station and optionally from the module in which they are housed.

More specifically, with reference to FIG. 4, each module 30 comprises four supporting elements 31 having structural sides with a vertical arrangement, which in turn have slots or horizontal guides for inserting, in the horizontal direction (Y-axis in FIG. 4), a plurality of trays 32 configured to contain hydroponic farm products.

For example, such trays contain a suitable substrate on which a seed culture can grow, or on which containers containing inert and pre-planted material can be positioned in a defined geometry.

The structural sides 31 of FIG. 4, forming the body of the trays 32, are arranged in pairs opposite each other, with a central space formed between them, in which a shelf 33 'acts, related to the vertical transport device 33 (see Fig. 9-11), located on four pulley belts or chains, also vertically arranged, and driven by motorized assemblies 34 that can move the shelf 33 'of the vertical conveyor 33 from a lowered position at ground level to a raised position near the top cover panel of the module 30 and vice versa.

Four pulley belts or chains to move the platform of the vertical conveyor 33 are located along the inner vertical edges of each structural side 31 to support the trays 32, i.e. they face the central compartment in which the shelf 33 'of the shelf 33 of the vertical transport device operates. The vertical transport device 33 moves along the interior of the module structure, which reduces the space occupied by the transport system. Thus, the space for lateral transport of the trays 32 is free.

Thus, as can be clearly seen in the drawings, the basic module of the system according to the invention consists of a parallelepiped-shaped column and contains three separate zones, of which a central zone for moving the shelf of the vertical transport device 33 and two side zones on one side and, accordingly, the other central zones having support means for trays 32 containing hydroponic crops.

According to one embodiment, the shelf 33 'of the vertical transport device 33' further has a plurality of openings 35 configured to be covered by an exchange device comprising corresponding driven rollers 36, which, in operation, face the interior of the shelf 33 'of the vertical transport device 33 and are higher in height the horizontal surface of the shelf itself is 33 '.

This device allows the vertical transport 33 to reach each tray 32, which can be removed from its housing, loaded onto the vertical transport and displaced until any level of the module is reached.

When the chute 32 is picked up by the turntable and guided onto the powered rollers 36, the latter cross the holes 35 of the chute 33 'of the turntable, engage the chute 32 and move it horizontally towards an adjacent module having similar powered rollers until it is placed on the shelf. devices for vertical transportation of the adjacent module.

With regard to the movement of the trays 32 between the central area of the module 30 and one of the side areas, in order to be able to locate them in their own nests or to take them out of them, the vertical transport device has mechanical horizontal transport means for moving the trays along the Y-axis indicated in the drawings, these means are well known in the art and are not described in detail herein.

When different modules are located adjacent to each other, it is not necessary that all modules have their own vertical transport at the same height, but only the start module and the end module must have the same vertical transport height. Thus, the intermediate modules can activate the corresponding displacement nodes when engaged by the module upstream of them in the delivery direction.

As shown in FIG. 5, 8, each module contains four supporting elements 31 containing structural sides, each of which consists of pairs of vertical metal profiles 81 connected to each other by structural bridges.

In the central area located between these four supporting elements 31, a vertical conveying device 33 acts to determine the vertical displacement of the trays 32 (Z-axis in FIG. 4).

To move the vertical transport device 33, kinematic means 84 (see Fig. 8) are arranged on at least one of the profiles 81 for moving the vertical transport device located in the central part of the module 30 between the supporting elements 31.

As shown in FIG. 8, the supporting elements 31 are connected to each other initially in pairs by means of crossbars 83, as well as spacers or structural connecting rods to form a set of shelves, in which said supporting elements are load-bearing and support on the same side a kinematic device 84 for moving the device 33 vertically transportation with belts or pulleys with an arrangement towards the inside of each supporting element 31.

In this way, two frames are obtained, each of which is made by connecting two supporting elements or structural sides 31, which, being located opposite each other with belts or chains facing each other in pairs and spaced apart by other structural elements, make it possible to realize the structural frame of the module 30. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the module 30 has a square cross-section, with each side having the same length and is divided into three inner zones with substantially equal width, the central zone is intended for the movement of the vertical conveyor, and the two lateral zones - for the arrangement of trays 32.

According to this embodiment, in which the module 30 is in the shape of a square section, the modules 30 may be laterally disposed and connected to each other in a repetitive and modular manner endlessly.

A simplified implementation of the system allows two supporting elements 31 of the same side of the module 30 to be connected to a travel transmission shaft controlled by a single drive, possibly with a corresponding travel reducer. This implementation allows you to reduce the cost of mechanical components.

In contrast to the prior art, each module 30 is completely independent and not necessarily dependent on the others, since it has its own vertical transport 33 making it independent.

In a system containing a plurality of modules, according to the present invention, each module 30 is visible separately from the others, and due to the possibility of transporting the trays, it can be manipulated in a completely differentiated way. This is not a single system, but a system that consists of cells, and in which, in each specific case, the information control system selects the "master" module that controls the general control.

This ensures that in the event of a malfunction of one of the modules 30, the other modules connected to the network will not shut down, which drastically reduces maintenance costs and downtime.

According to a preferred embodiment, the vertical transport device 33 consists of two coordinated movement elements with 2 or 4 separate drives, which allows free space within the system to accommodate the longitudinal movement system from one module to another, as shown in FIG. 9-11, a horizontal transport device 85 (Y-axis) can be seen located between two adjacent modules, which allows the tray 32 to be transported directly from one module to another connected module. In the embodiment of FIG. 9-11, a horizontal tray transport device 85 is located at the bottom of the adjacent modules. However, it is obvious that the specified device 85 can be located at any height, based on design requirements, which require the passage of trays 32 from one module to another.

This property can be of great advantage when the module is designed to provide vertical transport of trays between two levels of a building. In this case, the device 85 for horizontal transport of trays between adjacent modules can be located at the upper level, thus allowing the transport of trays directly from the lower level to the upper level without disrupting the physical continuity of the system, which is not provided in any of the solutions known from prior art.

Thus, in contrast to other constructive embodiments, the exposed mechanical part makes it possible to leave a free passage between the modules, which, therefore, does not have any obstacles in the lateral exchange zone.

Each module can be completely enclosed by vertical panel walls, which can have different characteristics and functions. They can be made with panels of a quadrangular shape or geometrically repeatable, including panels that can be positioned completely freely, according to the type of system to be implemented, and having the following possible non-exclusive characteristics:

- easy closure to limit the penetration of any contaminants;

- transparency due to the performance of plastic or glass for the passage of light;

- insulation for thermal insulation of the module;

- radiation to ensure heating of zones inside the module;

- light emission using LEDs or other lighting devices;

- with fans for air circulation;

- with the release of gases or products or nutrients for cultivation.

The two lateral zones opposite the central zone occupied by the vertical conveying device 33 have support protrusions in the form of ribs 37, 37 '(see FIG. 1) for trays 32 containing crops. The information system intended for cultivation provides intelligent control of the movement of trays 32 containing crops, allowing them to be placed at free unlimited heights.

In addition to the culture-containing trays 32, the panels on which the lighting systems (LEDs) are located can also be freely positioned using an automated system, which allows the overall configuration of each module 30 to be changed also by moving the lamps.

Thanks to the installation of lamps that are moved in modules, the trays 32 can be made with LEDs with a specialization of light emission (a certain wavelength specific to plants).

Plants need different types of lighting during the photosynthetic cycle; LED tubes or existing systems provide for identification of emission of "average" light (white or violet light) or have all the possibilities for emission in one emission system using LEDs of all different types, assembled with different types of radiation.

Due to the ability to move the drawers with crops, they can be exposed to special light (for example, only far red color, etc.) and consistently set their position and irradiation time, thus, the cost of the lighting system can be reduced due to the possibility of installing only individual components (LEDs) in panels.

Due to the fact that the trays 32 can be moved in specific steps using the software, the distance of the crop from the light source can be optimized. By way of example, this capability allows the trays containing the first shoots to be moved closer to the source and thus reduce the supply of electrical energy to the lighting system to obtain the same effect of transferring energy to the sheet. In fact, in general cases, the distance of the placement of the trays from the lighting system is determined in a space that allows the plant to grow over time, in order to obtain an achievable result thanks to the system according to the present invention, while the systems known from the prior art should be designed so as to emit maximum power from the first the same day, illuminating for a long time that which actually does not require any light, i.e. the growth surface, whether in soil or in inert material, in which there are only small receptive leaves (at least in the early growth phase).

As the plant grows, the system having growth analysis sensors provides information to the software control system to decide at what distance to place the trays 32 in subsequent steps, and also provides irradiation / time (times and type of radiation) adjustments for the light sources. This system is easily adaptable depending on the growth of the plants as well as the differences in the cultivated species. The system described in this document allows different species to be grown in the same system, providing complete control over their growth.

The ability to move the trays also contributes to the ability to inspect the product at any time without risk to humans.

The system according to the invention allows the modules to be configured in a differentiated way, which allows the system to be isolated in hostile environments or to control zones with different microclimates and for precise control of product growth.

Germination is an important step in the growth process; this stage, usually with a higher growing intensity, is usually carried out in different zones. Thanks to the portability of the trays and the possibility of creating special zones, the germination modules can be placed at controlled temperatures to speed up this stage as well, while maintaining control over it.

Thus, each connected module can receive and recognize the passage of trays with crops from other modules having different characteristics. Each module does not need to have all of the above features. It is sufficient that some of them are present on at least one or some of them in accordance with the loading operations performed. Modularity means that at any time of the system operation, the configuration of the modules can be changed without costly interventions. For example, the irrigation zone can be located on only one module, the lamps can be moved to different configurations, the side panels can be added or replaced with others having different functions.

Due to the general modularity of the system components, the nutrient mixing area can be located close to the irrigation area. This allows for precise control of nutrient mixes according to plant type and growth condition.

The system according to the present invention has the feature that it can be used either as a structure for handling hydroponic farms with a separate vertical module, or by installing more modules located in any arrangement, it can be used as an integrated modular logistics system that can replace the trays 32 by means of the vertical transport device 33, which is equipped with each module.

Thus, by means of a panel equipped with a human-machine interface (HMI) 39 (see Fig. 1, 4) or remotely using another information device, the operator can remove the tray 32 used for hydroponic cultivation from any position, without the need to work from the module in which the desired item is physically located.

Thus, from any growing module, the operator removes the tray containing the culture, while the software system allows identification of the module in which the shelf to be manipulated is located so that the vertical transport device 33 is driven to the correct height by the drive, the corresponding tray 32 is taken, and , by lowering to the level closest to the ground, the chute is lifted by the lifter by means of rollers 36 (see FIGS. 5-6).

Thereafter, the synchronized rotation of the rollers 36 allows the tray to be displaced in one direction or the other so that it can be laterally displaced towards an adjacent individual structural module.

In turn, an adjacent separate structural module, using a lift in the ground position, if it is the final target position, activates synchronously rotating rollers and can receive the tray coming from the adjacent module at the exchange stage and provides passage if the target module is different.

The electronic control and monitoring part is located inside the electrical module, usually located at the bottom of the loading and unloading area, and can be controlled by a control panel that provides access to the electrical panel in all locations of the modules.

Displacement of the tray towards the front, i.e. perpendicular to the direction of lateral displacement defined by the rollers 36 described above is achieved by the use of a horizontal tray transport 85 which remains supported by the load-bearing elements supporting the tray 32 itself while the rollers 36 are lowered and inoperative so as not to interfere with the frontal moving.

Such a device 85 is optional and is installed on modules 30 in which it is necessary to directly transport trays from one position to another. As noted above, the horizontal tray transport 85 can be installed at any height and typically includes a pair of driven belts acting on two adjacent side regions of two adjacent modules. By means of said belts with a drive, the tray 32 can be transported directly from the side region of the given module to the corresponding side region of the adjacent module, which does not require the intervention of any vertical transport device 33.

Each module, constituting together with other modules a modular system for handling hydroponic products according to the invention, contains the same devices described above, which are part of each vertical transport device 33, which can be placed at the same height by performing appropriately programmed movements for synchronous receiving the movable tray and placing it on the central part of the vertical transport device 33 so that it can be displaced to a programmed location for loading or collecting the components placed therein.

The information system integrated into each of the modules provides for redundancy of databases in relation to the entire system (with any restrictions, if required by the system administrator), so that in case of failure of any of the electronic devices on one of the modules there is a backup copy of the data.

Using such a system to manipulate vertical hydroponic crops provides numerous health and cost benefits in addition to those provided by the ability to fully automate the process from planting or placing containers in which specific seeds are pre-planted to harvest.

The trays containing inert material for sprouting and plant growth can be moved within the system thanks to the automatic displacement system.

For each module, it is possible to define optional areas with varying degrees of effect on the usable volume, allowing, in a concentrated and no longer fully distributed manner throughout the system, the following:

- sowing of various types of plants using a robotic system or manually;

- placement of containers in which special seeds are pre-planted using a robotic system or manually;

- precise supply of food to the plants by means of a spray gun, watering, introduction or outlet irrigation system, or by means of a robot;

- storage of images that can be subsequently analyzed by the information system;

- supply of the necessary light at the stage of plant growth (activation of photosynthesis);

- environmental comfort, humidity, oxygenation, air flow, temperature;

- providing an area in which the operator has access to take samples and inspect the crops grown.

Referring again to FIG. 1, it can be noted that each module can be divided into different overlapping areas, each of which has different functions.

Even though the arrangement may be different, it can be noted, for example, that in FIG. 1, the highest area, indicated by reference numeral 70, is not illuminated, properly shielded and has no water channels, thus it is a dark area in which crops are placed to simulate nighttime.

This allows cycles to be performed in the dark in a given area away from light emission, thus without having to turn off (and then turn on) the lamps, but by moving the trays appropriately into such dark areas.

Below the dark area 70 is an area 71 for LED lighting 72 in which culture-containing trays are inserted to simulate daylight and sunlight.

On the lowest shelf is an irrigation zone 73, into which channels 74 are inserted, which end in a plurality of nozzles or other irrigation systems. The canals in the irrigated area run from a suitable water source containing nutrients and any inhibitors that protect the crop from the most common pathogenic agents, or, in the case of aquaponic farming, from appropriately filtered fish tanks.

This exemplary arrangement can be expanded as a preferred option or in accordance with different requirements, which also depend on different types of crops.

More generally, with regard to seeding or placing containers of pre-planted plants, the structure used to manipulate hydroponic farms with one or more individual vertical modules according to the invention can be automated whenever different types of crops are required.

This automation, controlled by an information system, makes it possible to track the future product to be introduced to the market directly from the seeding stage, since the coordinates of seeding or placement of containers in a separate tray and the physical position within the system of trays inserted into the modular system are known, since they are unique.

For example, the available raw data could be: plant ID, type of injected seeds, inert material, planting coordinates or placement of containers in the XY tray, tray ID, planting time, etc.

In addition, unlike existing systems, which have bulky sorting centers for sorting nutrients to be added to the water and supplied to growing plants, each module can be identified by the zone or their number can be rationalized based on the shape of the system or the frequency of its use. ... Trays containing inert material, seeds planted in a container or an already germinated plant can be transferred to the spray area indicated by reference number 73 in the schematic view of FIG. one.

This implies a significant reduction in the hydraulic part of each system with the possibility of differentiating the type of additives to be introduced into the supplied liquid, and even with the possibility of differentiating their amount and composition, distinguishing each individual plant, taking into account that the coordinates are known; during cultivation, information can be added relating to how much water the plant with a known identifier received, the amount of additives, the frequency of spraying, etc.

It is also provided for the presence of one or more cameras located in the zone of the module, which memorize the state of the plants in the trays. The farm information management system takes into account the status of each plant, compares it with previous images, with images of plants with similar characteristics (type, culture, times) and assesses its health status.

Thus, corrective actions for plant growth can be activated, and it is also possible to historize various combinations of nutritional composition, irradiation with light, time, etc., which allows varying the growth process and ensures continuous optimization.

All this translates into a permanent source of data and images of each individual plant, and such data can be retained until the end of product traceability.

In terms of lighting in existing indoor hydroponic farms, they use lighting systems to deliver special light to the plantations, thus activating photosynthesis. In fact, each type of plant reacts differently depending on the type of light that hits them.

Unlike plantations on soil or greenhouses, which can be seasonal as needed and are exposed to the full spectrum of light provided by the sun, indoor farms have the ability to illuminate the plants with specific parts of the spectrum, mixed at different intensities relative to each other. An additional variable is the number of photons that can and must be supplied to the plant for optimal growth. In modern vertical trusses, the distance from the lamps is usually fixed, also for engineering equipment, while the size of the lighting system can be large if necessary.

In the case of the system according to the invention, some of the methods that can become constraints, as described above, can be controlled in an optimal way.

For example, the types of light can be concentrated in one lamp or differentiated by zones, thus with different types of LEDs depending on the zone, while if it is possible to move the trays with plants, plants can be placed in positions in which they can receive the type of light. necessary at the moment of their growth, while other plants can occupy the free zone they have just left.

The dark cycle that can be obtained by moving the container of plants may allow fewer light emitters to be used that are not turned off or used, but they are left on and distributed only in those positions where their function is required.

This technology can allow for the installation of smaller lighting systems and rationalize the types and quantities of lamps used. The variable "distance" from the light source in this case is controllable. In fact, each tray can be installed with pitch stops allowing for variable distances.

The information control system according to the invention can take into account the necessary distances, the type of light used in each particular case, using for its decisions the information obtained from the images stored for the individual plant.

Thus, in addition to the previous plant identification data, for traceability or for study and optimization, the information can also store light exposure time, distance, color, that is, all variables associated with the light cycles they were exposed to.

According to additional embodiments of the invention, sensors and active elements can be installed on each module to create an appropriate environment for growing one or more specific types of plantations.

The use of the system according to the invention for the manipulation of vertical hydroponic farms also involves humidification or dehumidification of air, supply of oxygen or CO2 or other gaseous mixtures, heating or cooling of the environment, which may or may not be cycled, heating a tray, etc. All of this information can also be stored for optimization, study and tracking.

Depending on the size of the system, areas, commonly known as “hops”, can be used in which operators can have crops close at hand without having to move around within the entire modular system.

The reduced space due to human access further optimizes the cultivation volume, thus drastically reducing the use of self-propelled aids, which are sometimes hazardous to the safety of operators, when heights of several meters are required. In the case of the systems proposed in this document, the current height limit for each individual module can be increased to higher values, since human intervention at height is no longer required.

As mentioned above, it is also possible to completely remove a certain product containing tray for sowing and harvesting, and they can also be moved to other target positions using self-propelled means such as forklifts or the like.

The invention has been described above with reference to its preferred embodiment. However, it will be understood that the invention provides numerous variations that do not go beyond the scope of legal protection and are technically equivalent.

Claims (13)

1. An automatic modular system for manipulating trays used to contain plants intended for growth by hydroponic, aeroponic or aquaponic cultivation, said system comprising a first module with a quadrangular section and a vertical arrangement, bounded by corresponding vertical supporting elements, said first module containing two lateral zones, each of which includes a plurality of substantially horizontal and overlapping support slots or tray guides, and a central zone in which a vertical sliding tray transport device (Z) operates, located on the transport means, driven by the nodes with a drive made with the possibility of transferring the specified vertical transport device from the lowered position to the raised position in accordance with each tray and vice versa, and the specified vertical transport device tier is equipped with a support shelf for the tray and horizontal transportation devices made with the possibility of moving the specified tray along the first horizontal axis (Y) from the corresponding nest and towards it, and the specified nest is located inside one of the specified side zones, while the specified first module is additionally contains vertical transportation devices located in the specified central zone, in which the specified device for vertical transportation of trays operates, with interaction with the tray when the latter is located on the shelf of the specified vertical transportation device for trays, and with the displacement of the specified tray along the second axis (X), horizontal and perpendicular to the specified first horizontal axis (Y), to carry out direct transportation of the specified tray towards another shelf of another device for vertical transportation of the second module, located nearby and connected to the specified first m oodule. 2. The system of claim. 1, and it contains a plurality of additional modules located adjacent to each other and connected to each other so that at least two of them are aligned along the first (Y) or second (X) horizontal axis. 3. The system according to any one of paragraphs. 1-2, each module being square in shape, with each of said lateral zones and said central zone having substantially the same plan dimensions. 4. The system according to any one of paragraphs. 1-3, wherein said vertical conveying devices comprise driven rollers or driven belts acting on the tray, said shelf having openings within which said driven rollers act to engage the tray. 5. The system according to any one of paragraphs. 1-4, and it contains a device interacting between the slots or guides of adjacent modules and made with the possibility of moving the tray from the side zone of one module to the side zone of the adjacent module along the specified first horizontal axis (Y). 6. The system of claim 5, wherein said device comprises a pair of driven belts positioned opposite each other and parallel to each other and located between respective side regions of adjacent modules. 7. System according to any one of paragraphs. 1-6, and control is provided by manipulating the movement of these trays using an electronic control unit configured to control the movement of the vertical transport device associated with each module, and horizontal transport devices associated with each module and connecting adjacent modules. 8. System according to any one of paragraphs. 1-7, wherein at least one of said modules comprises lighting and / or irrigation means and / or supporting elements. 9. The system of claim. 8, each module is configured to be divided into different overlapping areas, each of which performs a different or the same function for the development of plants placed in the trays. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the trays are located within each module in different zones that have different functions, one of which is unlit and appropriately shielded to expose the crop to a simulated night time, the other comprises lighting used for simulate daytime and solar radiation for photosynthesis, and the other contains irrigation agents. 11. System according to any one of paragraphs. 9-10, each module being housed in the system in different zones that have different functions, one of which is unlit and appropriately shielded to expose the crop to a simulated nighttime condition, the other contains lighting means used to simulate daytime, and solar radiation for photosynthesis, and another of which contains irrigation agents. 12. System according to any one of paragraphs. 1-11, moreover, the manipulation and actuation of the movement of said trays is provided by means of an electronic control unit and / or an information system equipped with a storage means in which the coordinates of sowing of an individual plant and its physical position, as it is located on a separate tray, are recorded. 13. The system according to claim 12, and it contains one or more cameras located in a suitable area of one or more modules, configured to record the state of plants in trays by sending data to an information system configured to process the state of each plant, compare it with previous images, with images of plants with similar characteristics and assessing their health status to optimize the growth process of individual plants.

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